Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a condition that increases your child's risk for lung and liver damage. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is made by your child's liver and protects his or her lungs and liver from infections. Your child's body may not be able to make enough AAT if he or she was born with abnormal genes that make AAT. If the AAT his or her liver makes is faulty, it can cause liver inflammation, damage, and may lead to liver failure. Your child may also develop AATD if tobacco smoke or chemical fumes decrease the AAT levels.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
Your child may get medicine for his or her condition or for other symptoms caused by this condition. Give your child's medicine as directed. Call your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working or your child has side effects. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of emergency.
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as directed:
Do not miss your child's medical appointments. Regular exams and tests will help healthcare providers know if your child has any problems that need treatment. Your child's health may be better if his or her problems are found and treated early. Take your child in for vaccinations (shots) to help protect his or her health. These may include hepatitis A and B shots. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Nutrition for your child:
Ask your child's healthcare provider if you need to change the foods your child eats. He or she may need to eat foods that are high in calories and vitamins to get proper nutrition.
Keep your child away from harmful fumes:
Chemical fumes and tobacco smoke may damage, or worsen damage to your child's lungs. If anyone in your family smokes tobacco, ask them to stop or not smoke near your child. Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking.
For more information:
- Alpha one foundation
2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302
Miami , FL 33133
Phone: 1- 305 -
Phone: 1- 877 -
Web Address: http://www.alphaone.org/
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Health Information Center
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda , MD 20824-0105
Phone: 1- 301 - 592-8573
Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- You have problems feeding your child and you feel he or she is not getting enough to eat.
- Your child's jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) does not go away.
- You or your child has questions or concerns about his or her condition or care.
Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
- Your child has trouble breathing.
- Your child has pain in his or her abdomen that does not go away.
- Your child has blood in his or her vomit or bowel movements.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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